Medicament applicator



Sept. 8, 1931. J. B. DAVIES 1,822,566

MEDICAMENT APPLI CATOR Filed Nov. 2. 1928 WITNESSES ZR. 7M.

Patented Sept. 8, 1931 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE #JOHN B. DAVIES, OF GRAFTON, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOR TO MINE SAFETYy All.

PLIANCES COMPANY, F PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA, .A CORPORATION OF PENN- SYLVAN IA MEDICAMENT APPLICATOR Application led November' 2, 1928. Serial No. 316,710.

The invention relates to medicament applicators of the emergency type, comprising an ampoule containing a medicament, and

.. l means associated therewith for dispensing the contents of the ampoule after it has been opened.

The applicators of this type heretofore used have generally comprised an ampoule containing an antiseptic liquid together with a section of capillary glass tubing, by means of which small amounts of the liquid may be trcnsferred from the ampoule to a wound or other surface to be treated; and a peripheral line of weakness is generally provided intermediate the ends of the ampoule to facilitate its opening. The production of such a unit necessitates glass cutting operations which may involve breakage loss, and the formation of the line of weakness may in- "crease breakage loss and add to the cost. In the use of these applicators the ampoule in being opened may ynot break evenly, glass fragments may be scattered into the liquid.

A.. .It is difficult to quickly cover large areas with 'a capillary applicator, and the fingers of a user holding the capillary usually become stained. Also, it is usually necessary to hold the ampoule in one hand while using the capillary tube with the other, thus totally engaging both hands. Furthermore, the

ampoule is usually looselyl enclosed in a twopart casing, from which it may fall when the casing is opened, or while the transfer tube is opened, or while the transfer tube is being used, and the liquid is in any event liable to be spilled and damage clothing or other articles.

rThe object of the present invention is to .provide a simple and sturdy applicator 40 `which is easily and cheaply produced, and which is provided with an absorbent swab protected from contamination, the applicator being readily and quickly prepared for .use without the dangers or disadvantages of "prior types of applicator devices.

The preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in the accompanying drawings in which Fig. l is a side view of an applicator with a swab protector applied thereto;

Fig. 2 a similar View partly in section showing an applicator member; Fig. 3 a side View of an ampoule containing medicament; Fig. 4 a longitudinal section through an ampoule and swab ready for assembly to form anapplicator; Figs. 5 to '7 plan views of the components of the swab; all of the preceding views being enlarged for better illustration; and Fig. S is a perspective view showing the manner of using the applicators.

The applicator provided by the invention comprises a sealed frangible ampoule containing a medicament, a protective casing closed at one end engaging the ampoule and enclosing its side walls and one end, and an absorbent swab extending outwardly from and closing the outer end ofthe casing. The. casing is substantially` impervious to liquid, and while being stiff enough to protect the ampoule from untimely breakage, its side walls are manually compressible to crush the ampoule and release its contained medicament, the casing then acting to direct the lnedicament through the swab. In the preferred embodiment, the swab comprises a plurality c of layers of absorbent material which prevent spurting of the medicament when the ampoule is opened and absorb and holdit for application at the desired place. Although the swabcovered end of the ampoule may extend somewhat from the open end of the casing, it is preferred, for greater safety, to wholly encase it. Itis also preferred to apply the swab to an end of and aiiix it to the ampoule, although the swab may be inserted in or other-r wise attached to the` casing itself. The swab may be, and preferably is, protected from contamination by a cap fitting over the end of the casing and enclosing the swab. n

Having reference now to the drawings, the embodiment there shown comprises an ampoule 1, a swab 2, a protective casing 3, and a swab-protecting cap 4. The ampoule, which is made from thin wall glass tubing, contains a medicament 5, such as an oilfor coverf ing burns, a solution of iodine or mercurochrome, or the like. Casing 3 is most suitably made from coiled paper of sufficient strength to provide the ynecessary stiffness, a paper being preferably chosen which is suficiently dense to prevent material absorption 100 of the liquid medicament. One end of the casing is closed, and this may be accomplished by crimping in and gluing the end, but in the preferred form the casing is made up of a cylindrical tube 6 formed of coiled paper having one end closed. by a plug 'Z. This plug., which is alsoimade from papenmakes a sliding tit with the tube, and it is provided with a cavity adapted to snugly engage the inner eI-rdsot' the ampoule, as shown iny Fig.. 2.. The` ampoule, plug and tube:` may becemented:` together to hold them in iiXed position, as by means of an adhesive such as waterglass.

The swab shown comprises an inner layer 8 of lilter paper cut in circular form, air intermediate relatively thick circular pad 9 of terry cloth, and an outer retaining gauze layer having a circular-body portion I'Owandtwo` diametrically opposed arms Il. Preferably the swab is applied to anend oi." the ampoule, the outer retaining gauze being drawn tight to form a smooth. pad, and the arms 1l` heiligr drawn over the sides of the ampoule and extended into the cavity in plug 7. When the ampoule with its swab is assembled in the casing, the side walls of' the ampoule are spaced from the container wall, as shown at 12,',t'his being'an added protection against premature breakage of the ampoule.

Cap may also be offcoiled paper construction, one end being crimped and glued to close it, and upon slipping it over the swab endet' the applicator the swabis protected from dirt and' other contaminating material.

f tBy' providingthe cap -with a long skirt, addi tronat protection is given to the tube over those portions which are spaced from the casing, the plug described above reinforcing the portion of the casing which the cap does not cover.

' In order to use the applicator, cap 4 is withdrawn and the applicator grasped near the swab end between the thumb and first' twoi ingers,.preterably with the swab end down, as' shown in Fig. 8, and upon applying s utlicient pressure with the fingers, the casing wal-ls will be compressed and the ampoule crushed. The liquidV contents otth'e ampoule are directed. to the swab bythe casing and" are absorbechand the medicament is applied to a wound or other part by rubbing it' with the swab.

The thick absorbent swab prevents drip* ping of the medicament, and withholds all ot" the glass fragments, so that there is no danger'trom that source. In the case of sonic medicaments there may be a tendency for the liquidato spurt forth when the containing ampoule isk broken, causingv loss of or damage by the liquid, buty in. the applicator provided by the invention, any such spurting ifs fully restrained by the swab and especially by the filter paper layer.

Accordingto` the provisions ofthe patent statutes, I have explained the principle and operation of my invention, and have il lustrated and described what I now consider to represent its best embodiment. However, I desire to have it understood that with in the scope of the appended claims, the invention, may be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated and. described.

I claim:

l. A medicament applicator comprising a tubular protective casing closed at one end` and substantially' impervious to liquid` a trangible ampoule containing medicament enclosed in. said casing and breakable in its body portion, and an exposed swab associated with and closing the other end ot said casing said medicament being releasable: by compression of the side walls ot the casing to' break the ampoule in its main body por tionwithout contamination oli said swab by the compressing means, and the medicament thus released being then directed within and by the casing to the swab.

22 A medicament applicator comprising, a.

frangible ampoule containing a medicament and breakabl'e in its body portion, a swab formed from a plurality ot" layers` of absorbent material applied to one end ot the ampoule and having portions extended along.

the sidewalls thereof, said swab being adapted to prevent spurting when the medicament is released, and" a tubular protective casing closed at one endV and substantially impor` vious to liquid engaging said ampoule at its end portions to space the bodyot the ampoule from the inner wall ot the casing and form a 'free passage for medicament when the body of said ampoule is broken, the swab closivel g the open end exposed outer portion, said medicamentbeing releasable by connjiression of the side walls ot the casing to break the ampoule iny its mainA body portionwithout contamination of said swab by the compressing means, and the medicament thus released being` then directed within and by the casing tothe swab.

3. A medicament applicator comprising a frangible ampoule containing a medicament and' breakablie inits body portion, a tubulaip'rotective casing closed at one end and substantially impervious to liquid enclosing said ampoule, a swabassociated with and closing the open end of said casing, and a cap formed from thel samematerial as said casing and telescoped over the swab end thereotl to protect said swab from contamination prior to use, said medica-ment being releasable by compression of" the side walls o'l'" the casing to break the ampoule in its main body portion without contamination oi said swab by the compressing means, and the medicament thus released being then directed within and by the casing'to the swab.

In testimony whereof', I sign my' name.

JOHN B; DAVIES.

ot said casing and having an 

